As Dave Brown and his team put the green to bed for another season, the final drive, wonderfully conceived and managed by Gail & Gerard, was a fitting way for everyone to say goodbye to it and hope that it winters well! (i'll get my coat!).

Casual attire was the order of the day (for most of us at least!) and despite only 2 shots separating the first 3 places, the team of Jo Hawes, Val Cozens, Dave Brown and Kevin McCarthy were crowned champions and quite rightly received adulation from the assembled masses.

After a nice speech by Carl, reflecting on how well the season had gone, the raffle (with prizes so generously provided by Kevin and Fenella Vernon) was drawn and then 40+ members and guests tucked into a delicious roast dinner prepared by Sharon, Gail & Jenny.

Pictured above are the winning team, lucky raffle winners (Anita & Grant) and the winner of the Spider comp (Ron)

By the time that this article is read, there is every likelihood that the leaves will have been blown off the trees, and the bowling green will have been closed for the winter. Having said that, the greenkeeper will now be starting the winter preparations for next season, and having seen how good the green is at the end of a heavy season of play, it is hardly surprising that winter work starts as soon as the last bowl has been bowled!

Reviewing the season, it would be fair to say that it has been a good season with some notable successes and also some least memorable events. The ladies team excelled themselves in The Top Club competition by winning through to the County Final, where they met a very strong team from Torquay, who had several
international players in their ranks, and who have won this particular competition on previous occasions. Needless to say, the Ottery ladies did not win, but they put up a very good fight, with one or two matches being a close run affair. Similarly, the men’s team won through the early rounds of their competition, but were defeated at quarter final stage.

The East of Exe League is a Monday night league for mixed teams, and there is every likelihood that Ottery will win the league this year. In addition both the men’s and the ladies section play in Over 60’s midweek leagues, and all six teams entered are riding high in their respective leagues.

The majority of the fixture list is made up with matches against other local teams, where friendly rivalry built up over the years is always a key element of these occasions. Touring teams also enjoy a visit to the club as the facilities are always of the highest quality, and the welcome is always warm and genuine. This year an inter county match will be played at Ottery, which is an indication of the high esteem in
which the club is held at a higher level.

The game of Bowls does have the reputation of being a sport for the older generation and we still have some 90 year olds playing and enjoying an active afternoon in the sunshine. Furthermore, this year, a Junior section has been started by the club captain assisted by at least four fully qualified coaches. Some of the youngsters have already represented the club in friendly matches. So the season is now drawing to a close, but there are still winter social activities to be enjoyed, very often involving a meal!

Perhaps, people reading this article are considering taking up a new sport or hobby, and I must ask if you can find another open air sport that combines physical activity, laughter, friendliness, company, competitiveness, and above all fun. It is always very interesting to hear people who joined the club in April say ”I never realised how much I would enjoy playing bowls!”

Next season will start on Sunday 19th April 2026, and further details will be circulated prior to that date. I hope to see you then.

Clive Russell - Press Officer